As Keir Starmer edges Britain closer to China as Trump continues to threaten and destabilise, are we watching the World Order being rewritten?
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In this special programme on the world order and whether small steps on a British visit here are part of a much bigger global change. Keir Starmer has become the latest foreign leader to seek trade and build trust with China in the name of mutual self-interest.
Beijing, it seems, has won the argument to let differences on human rights and geopolitics remain differences – while building a pragmatic relationship based on economics and a shared belief in the rules-based world order.
The last British leader to visit here was Theresa May eight years ago. A lot has changed since then. The UK has seen Chinese spying scandals and cyber attacks. There’s been Chinese alignment with Russia through the invasion of Ukraine.
Then came Donald Trump whose tariff wars, territorial threats and military action have gone hand in hand with the trashing of post-war institutions and agreements.
And with economic growth still puny in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer thought it time to look beyond those dark days of dischord.
He is already trying to sell the trip as a mutual success in business terms, with UK nationals now being able to visit China without visas.
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